Letters to the Editor - Disrespect of our beautiful town

Posted:
09/28/2018 08:47:36 AM MDT

It makes me so sad that we love our tourists but they disrespect our town and our wildlife. They litter without regard, ignore traffic signals and drive without regard to the safety of people and animals. And now, someone has brutally murdered 2 of our beautiful bull elk. I would like to shame this person that has no regard for hunting laws or the fact that this is the rut season which produces the future herd! Shame on you and your cowardly brutal act of violence to our wildlife!!

Kathy Kelley

Estes Park

Is Estes Park a Good Place to Purchase a Home?

Based upon Section 11 "Incentives" in our Development Code, we regret to say that Estes Park is no longer a good place to either invest in, or retire to. This is because our Development Code denies zoning protection, or even a voice, to private homeowners if workforce housing is being built in their backyard.

The proposed Wind River workforce housing project on HWY 7 negatively impacts over 200 homeowners. While this project claims it will house year-round workers, it's really a thinly disguised summer dormitory for the town's hoteliers, retailers, and restauranteurs.

Despite its many violations of code, we fully expect the Wind River project to be approved at the upcoming September 25 Town Board Meeting via the application of a legal sleight-of-hand.

Our Trustee's showed their cards on March 27 with the approval of the Grand Estate's Apartments. The Planning Board recommended a turn-down of this workforce housing project. This decision was then over-ridden by our Trustees. Attorney Greg White offered the following legal opinion: "Homeowners have no legal-standing in the eyes of Section 11 - Workforce Housing Incentives." With that comment, and citing "the rule of law," the Mayor and Trustees quickly approved the project.

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On August 21, the Planning Board called Wind River "an abuse of the spirit of workforce density laws". We now fully expect the Planning Board's "no" decision to be over-ridden by our Trustees, again, using "the rule of law". The flawed "Incentives" section of our Development Code was written by, and adopted by, the Mayor and our Trustees.

The final decision on Wind River goes to our Trustees on September 25. A "yes" decision for a controversial developer proves the town's unwillingness to protect the private property rights of over 200 homeowners in Estes Park.

We support the Planning Commission's rejection of the Wind River Development; we oppose any attempt by the Town Trustees to overturn the Planning Commission's decision; and we call on all private homeowners, and every realtor, in Estes Park to oppose the Wind River Apartment project.

John and Nancy Micek

Estes Park

Estes Park Mountain Coaster

I would like to express my opposition to the Estes Park mountain coaster. I have been visiting this spectacular community for 40 years, and we bought our home here 3 years ago. Even with increased visitors over the years, the town has maintained the character and ambiance that makes Estes Park unique and special. People come here primarily for the beauty, the wildlife, the hiking, the national park, and the mountain solitude. Installing a theme park atmosphere with the building of a mountain coaster will greatly detract from what makes Estes Park the special and unique community we love and enjoy. If we make this mistake it will negatively impact wildlife in the area, add noise, traffic and congestion. That this was approved on land zoned residential is abhorrent. It is time to exercise good judgement, act with integrity and put community first, above the selfish interests of one misguided individual. Thank you for listening.

Steve Fuhrman

Estes Park

Support for Irene Josey as Larimer County Treasurer

As a long-time associate of Larimer County Treasurer Irene Josey, I enthusiastically endorse her re-election bid. I have had the pleasure of working with Irene for many years, as we both served residents of Larimer County as elected officials. Irene is an experienced, knowledgeable, and valued leader in Larimer County government. As a Larimer County Commissioner, I have relied on Irene's expertise and knowledge as our Treasurer - to fulfill her mission to successfully manage our funds and to carefully ensure that your tax dollars are safe and available when needed. Irene is experienced, accountable, and I trust her with Larimer County's money. Please join me in supporting Irene Josey for Larimer County Treasurer!

Lew Gaiter

Larimer County Commissioner (former)

County Commissioner Election

People in Colorado know and appreciate John Kefalas as a dedicated citizen legislator. John Kefalas has served two terms in the Colorado House and is on his second term in the Colorado Senate. His public service has been exemplary, earning kudos and friends from colleagues and constituents, working hard for common ground and common good. John has now decided to serve his local constituents and is running for Larimer County Commissioner. A recent letter to the editor suggests his opponent is the only candidate with experience in serving - not so. John has made a concerted effort to know every colleague and many constituents, always on both sides of an issue. He studies the issues, talks to all involved, and is known for bipartisan solutions that benefit all. Any who have contacted John know that he is approachable to all, even those outside of his party and district. John has earned their trust and admiration. Talk to John and you will see why. John now wishes to provide a voice for all at the County level. He knows the issues we all face from a State and local perspective, and can effectively and judiciously apply his knowledge locally. Please vote for John Kefalas for Larimer County Commissioner.

Howard Coopersmith

Fort Collins

Support of Sean Dougherty

I am writing this letter in support of Sean Dougherty for District 1 County Commissioner.

Sean is a long time resident of Larimer County and has been very active in this community for many years by serving on many committees and boards, including the Larimer County Planning Commission and the Red Feather Lakes Planning Advisory Committee. The knowledge that has gained on the current issues of Larimer County will give him insight and a head start in the role of County Commissioner. His business experience has given him budgetary skills that will keep the Larimer County finances in check. His ability to work with staff other officials has been proven in the past.

I personally have had many conversations with Sean and find that he listens and "gets the ball rolling" when I have shared my concerns. Sean's vision will serve this County well. He shares my concern for keeping Agriculture in Larimer County and is willing to hear us in the Ag Community!

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